newman's ordeal comes as tensions run high in the region. the secretive regime may have subdued nuclear threats for now, but refuses to step down completely. newman was released because he apologized for his crimes. his age and his medical condition. >> i think everyone who has made this possible and given us the opportunity to have merrill come home. >> reporter: in seoul, south korea, joe biden praised the release. but also called for the return of kenneth bae, held for more than a year. >> mr. bae, who has no reason to be held, should be released immediately. >> reporter: for mr. newman's family, their wish for a homecoming before the holidays comes true. for "good morning america," gloria riviera, abc news, beijing. >> this will be a christmas that family will remember. >>> let's get back to ron claiborne with the other headlines of the morning. >> we begin with new fallout from the chaotic highway shooting involving police in new mexico, firing at a car loaded with children. abc's tai hernandez has this story. >> reporter: this morning,